http://www.obgyn.net/newsheadlines/headline_medical_news-Obstetrics-20031112-5.asp

DHA regulates postpartum depressive symptoms
Obstetrics
November 12, 2003

DHA regulates postpartum depressive symptoms.

"Observational studies suggest an association between a low
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) status after pregnancy and the
occurrence of postpartum depression. However, a comparison of the
actual biochemical plasma DHA status among women with and without
postpartum depression has not been reported yet," scientists in the
Netherlands say.

"The contents of DHA and of its status indicator n-6 docosapentaenoic
acid (n-6DPA, 22:5n-6) were measured in the plasma phospholipids of
112 women at delivery and 32 weeks postpartum," reported S.J. Otto
and colleagues, Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry and
Neurpsychology.

"At this latter time point, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
(EPDS) questionnaire was completed to measure postpartum depression
retrospectively. The EPDS cutoff score of 10 was used to define
'possibly depressed' (EPDS score greater than or equal to 10) and
non-depressed women (EPDS score <10). Odds ratios (OR) were
calculated using a multiple logistic regression analysis with the
EPDS cutoff score as dependent and fatty acid concentrations and
ratio's as explanatory variables, while controlling for different
covariables."

"The results demonstrated that the postpartum increase of the
functional DHA status, expressed as the ratio DHA/n-6DPA, was
significantly lower in the 'possibly depressed' group compared to the
non-depressed group (2.34±5.56 versus 4.86±5.41, respectively;
OR=0.88, p=0.03)," study authors indicated.

"Lactating women were not more predisposed than non-lactating women
were to develop depressive symptoms. From this observation it seems
that the availability of DHA in the postpartum period is less in
women developing depressive symptoms. Although further studies are
needed for confirmation, increasing the dietary DHA intake during
pregnancy and postpartum, seems prudent."

Otto and colleagues published their study in Prostaglandins
Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (Increased risk of postpartum
depressive symptoms is associated with slower normalization after
pregnancy of the functional docosahexaenoic acid status. Prostagland
Leuk Essent Fatty, 2003;69(4):237-243).

For additional information, contact S.J. Otto, Maastricht University,
Department Psychiatry & Neurpsychol, POB 616, NL-6200 MD Maastricht,
Netherlands.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Prostaglandins
Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids is: Churchill Livingstone,
Journal Production Department, Robert Stevenson House, 1-3 Baxters
Place, Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, Midlothian, Scotland.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas
of Epidemiology, Neurology, Obstetrics, Mental Health, and Women's
Health. This article was prepared by Health & Medicine Week editors
from staff and other reports.

©Copyright 2003, via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net

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